The Supreme Court rejected a plea requesting strict guidelines to regulate statements by constitutional functionaries that do not align with constitutional morality. The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, deemed the issue serious but noted the petition seemed to target specific individuals. The plea highlighted troubling public statements attributed to various figures, including Chief Ministers and a BJP leader.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention in the matter. However, the Bench, led by CJI Kant, pointed out that the petition selectively focused on certain individuals while ignoring others. It stressed the importance of fairness and refraining from creating an impression of bias against any party or individual.
The Bench, including Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the significance of political parties promoting fraternity and upholding constitutional morality. It questioned the feasibility of enforcing guidelines even if framed, raising concerns about controlling thoughts preceding speeches. Sibal suggested attaching consequences to actions and advocated for guidelines concerning media and online platforms.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the issue raised, the CJI-led Bench expressed willingness to entertain the petition objectively and impartially. The matter was adjourned for two weeks to allow for the submission of a revised plea that avoids naming individuals and applies universally to all political parties. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, highlighted the undermining of core constitutional values by discriminatory and derogatory statements from public office holders.
